Exempt Research: Procedures in the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health

Abstract Objectives Prior studies on caregivers have focused mainly on the diet quality of their recipients, especially children. We investigated both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of caregiver status and diet quality in older adults (mean 53.0 ± 9.0 years). Methods We studied participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study (57.7% women, 62% African American) between wave 3 (2009–2013) and wave 4 (2013–2018). Caregiving was assessed at both waves, starting at wave 3. Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI2010) score, a measure of diet quality, was assessed from two 24-hour recalls at each wave on both occasions (mean 4.1 years follow-up). Baseline caregiving (at wave 3) was examined in relation to change in HEI between waves 3 and 4. Multivariable linear regression was performed for cross-sectional analysis; mixed-effects regression was performed for longitudinal analyses. Results are expressed as β-coefficients ± standard error of means (β±SE). Results After adjusting for age, sex, race and poverty status, more time spent taking care of grandchildren (N = 2033) was associated with poor diet quality (–1.51 ± 0.55, P = 0.006) in cross-sectional analysis (wave 4 caregiving and wave 4 HEI). However, in a separate cross-sectional analysis (wave 4 only) on dual (caring for both grandchildren and an elderly person) vs. single caregivers (either grandchildren or elderly) (N = 73; 24 men & 49 women) we found no difference in diet quality. The longitudinal analyses (N = 1848) demonstrated that diet quality did not change with caregiving over time for either grandchildren (P = 0.16) or others (not children & grandchildren) (P = 0.88). Overall, women tended to have better quality diet (P < 0.001) than men. Conclusions Among relatively older caregivers, cross-sectional analyses revealed an inverse effect of caregiving with diet quality. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate the temporal associations of dual caregiving with subsequent diet quality changes over time. Funding Sources The first author is supported by a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Intramural Research Program (IRP) at the National Institute on Aging (NIA). HANDLS is supported by the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, grant Z01-AG000513.

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The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences’ Intramural Training Program and Fellow Career Outcomes

CBE—Life Sciences Education ◽

10.1187/cbe.20-03-0048 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. ar51 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brittany Haynes ◽

Kyle Brimacombe ◽

Christy Hare ◽

Jessica Faupel-Badger

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Biomedical Research ◽

Research Program ◽

Early Career ◽

Career Outcomes ◽

Skill Sets ◽

Intramural Research Program ◽

Career Options

The translational scientist skill sets are consistent with those currently being emphasized in biomedical research to prepare trainees for various career options. The framework of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences intramural research program and the career outcomes of its alumni will be of interest to those involved in the career preparedness of early-career scientists.

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